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Club Certification

Club certification is a process ensuring that all clubs strive to follow best principles and practices. The process of certification is a partnership between the USSA and the individual clubs supported by education and resources, and for the podium certification process - a club interview or club visit. Q and A's developed at the 2014 Club Excellence Conference can be read here.

Club Certification Levels

Certified Club: This basic level of certification is included when a USSA club completes its annual membership renewal which verifies the following:

The club is a legal business entity and the type of club it is (nonprofit, college/university, resort-run program, etc.)

The club understands and adheres to USSA's policies and uses available resources regarding abuse, SafeSport, and concussions

The club understands and adheres to a long-term-athlete-development model as represented by the USSA Training Systems guidelines

The club development program and club certification works directly with clubs to better serve their needs, collects specific contact and club information for targeted communications and support, and provides clubs with education and recognition. Through this process USSA Clubs are recognized as progressive and innovative organizations with well-organized and age-appropriate athletic programs concerned and attentive to the health and welfare of all athletes.

Podium Clubs are clubs that have gone through a comprehensive self and peer-based organizational assessment. This process assesses both organizational and athletic performance, using approximately 140 elements and multiple submittals that represent club success. Whether or not clubs are at the podium level, these elements can be used as a roadmap for optimal club performance. The podium club certification process is fully descriped in the USSA Club Certification Guidelines, which includes an explanation of the associated club visits and interviews.

Register your club for the Podium Certification process with Brian Krill, USSA Club Development Manager, at bkrill@ussa.org.

Bronze-certified club: Podium level of certification for established or new clubs that have all the required elements in place for organizational and athletic success. The certification process involves a comprehensive organizational assessment putting the club on the path of continual improvement. The Bronze certification process is open to all clubs.

Silver-certified club: Podium level of certification for well-established and highly functioning clubs both organizationally and athletically. These clubs serve as a model in these areas, have consistent and long-standing track records of organizational and/or athletic success. Silver-level certification requires the approval of the USSA Club Development Manager before starting the process.

Gold-certified club: This level of certification is intended for clubs that are Best in the World. These clubs serve as a model both organizationally and athletically, and are resources to the sport as a whole in the U.S.

To apply for club certification or for more information, clubs should contact the USSA Club Development Manager by email or call 435.647.2033. Clubs seeking to engage in the "podium-level" certification process must register (simply e-mail Brian with your intent) to initiate the process.

Become a certified club!

USSA clubs are recognized for organizational and programming excellence through certification as certified, bronze, silver and gold level clubs.

Center of Excellence

The Center of Excellence in Park City, UT, is a national training and education center providing world-class facilities and educational resources for the USSA's athletes, coaches, clubs and others.